Seven Efficient Investment Migration Routes to an Additional Citizenship

Citizenship by investment is one of the safest ways to secure your family and your business interests well into the future. There are 11 programs to choose from, and while investment requirements vary, the ‘time to citizenship’ window is often a deciding factor. Securing an additional citizenship can take a matter of months if all your paperwork is in order but in certain cases it can take years. For those who prefer to avoid a lengthy wait or have a pressing need to secure a more stable environment for their families, we have compiled a summary of programs offering an additional citizenship in four months or less, as featured in the Global Citizenship Program Index, published in Henley & Partners’ newly released Investment Migration Programs 2022 report.

By: Philippe Amarante, a Managing Partner at Henley & Partners and the Head of the firm’s Dubai and Pakistan offices

Invest in a permanent safe haven in the Caribbean

While the Caribbean is renowned for its hot sun and laid-back living it is also one of the most active regions for citizenship by investment, with several programs that take four months or less to finalize. The region is a smart choice for business and real estate investors due to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) agreement that ensures economic integration of its largest and most prosperous islands as well as protection from double taxation. All five island nations hosting investment migration programs are also members of the Commonwealth, affording their citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 140 destinations.

St. Kitts and Nevis – the only fast-track route in the region

A promising opportunity for citizenship in the Caribbean is the dual-island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Having recently bolstered its governance and due diligence processes to protect investors, the country has positioned itself as a frontrunner for citizenship by investment opportunities. Citizenship can usually be acquired in three to six months, but St. Kitts and Nevis also offers the region’s only accelerated application option, enabling a processing time of 45 to 60 days. Applicants either make a minimum non-refundable contribution of at least USD 150,000 to the Sustainable Growth Fund for a single applicant, or there are real estate options starting at an investment of USD 200,000. Additional fees apply to add any qualifying spouses, children, siblings, parents, or grandparents. Citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 157 destinations.

Dominica – safe and secure

Dominica in the Caribbean’s Lesser Antilles offers a time to citizenship of three months, no residence requirements, and a low investment requirement. Travelers have described Dominicans as being the friendliest people in the Caribbean, a claim supported by the country’s almost non-existent crime rate. A minimum non-refundable contribution of USD 100,000 is required for a single applicant, and family members can be added for additional fees. Alternatively, there is the option to purchase approved real estate valued at a minimum of USD 200,000.

Grenada – only Caribbean program with E-2 Investor Treaty with USA

At the southernmost tip of the Antilles archipelago, Grenada is relatively easily accessible by air from Canada and the USA. With a time to citizenship of three to four months, Grenada is the only Caribbean country with a citizenship by investment program that holds an E-2 Investor Visa Treaty with the USA, making citizens eligible to apply for a non-immigrant visa. The minimum contribution is USD 150,000 for a single applicant or USD 200,000 for a family of up to four members that may include a spouse, children under 30, unmarried siblings over the age of 18, parents, and grandparents. Grenada offers free movement to China, Russia, Singapore, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen Area to name but a few.

Antigua and Barbuda – one of the most competitive programs in the region

Antigua and Barbuda also has a time to citizenship of three to four months and offers an excellent choice for high-net-worth families who wish to take advantage of real estate or business development opportunities. You can acquire citizenship of the dual-island nation by making a non-refundable contribution of USD 100,000 to its National Development Fund, but there are several other options, including a minimum investment of USD 200,000 in real estate.

St. Lucia – attractive for business owners

Situated north of Barbados, St. Lucia has a range of pathways to citizenship, which can be acquired in three to four months, as well as favorable legislation that incentivizes companies to move their headquarters to the island nation. There is no requirement to take up residence, and there is no minimum visitation needed to maintain citizenship status. A non-refundable minimum contribution of USD 100,000 to the National Economic Fund can secure citizenship for a single applicant, with additional costs for adding a spouse, qualifying children, siblings, parents, and dependents. Another attractive option worth noting is investment in government bonds with a minimum value of USD 250,000 under St. Lucia’s limited offer Covid-19 Relief Bond, which is valid until 31 December 2022.

Turkey – burgeoning transcontinental business hubFor those seeking citizenship of a European country, Turkey is an excellent choice with a time to citizenship of approximately four months. A major hub uniquely straddling Europe and Asia, the country’s geographic convenience and strong economy have pushed its roots deeper into the global economy, affording it access to international cooperation. One of the key benefits of Turkish citizenship is that it opens up eligibility for an E-2 Investor Visa in the USA for a five-year renewable period. The minimum contribution is a real estate investment of at least USD 250,000, but other options exist. Full citizenship is granted to the applicant and any qualifying family members.

Jordan – a Middle Eastern oasis

Strategically located at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, making it a perfect center for major business operations in the region, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a stable, business-friendly country in the fertile crescent in the Middle East. Jordan offers three routes for investment, with the minimum contribution being USD 750,000, and one of the quickest times to citizenship of just three months. Successful applicants have the right to obtain citizenship status for their spouses, unmarried, widowed, or divorced daughters, sons below 18 years of age, and dependent parents if the applicant is their sole supporter.

If you wish to learn more about these or any other investment migration programs, please reach out to Henley & Partners. As the pioneering firm and global leader in residence and citizenship by investment, we are best placed to successfully serve international clients and partners interested in acquiring alternative residence and citizenship options.